Yaz (drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol)

Yaz generic

Yaz is a brand-name drug that contains the active drugs drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. This active drug combination is also available as a generic medication. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drugs in a brand-name medication.

The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

If you’re interested in taking the generic form of Yaz, talk with your doctor. They can tell you whether it comes in forms and strengths that may be right for you.

Yaz use for birth control

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Yaz to treat certain conditions. Yaz may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Yaz is FDA-approved for use in females* who are able to become pregnant to:

• help prevent pregnancy
• treat symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder
• treat acne in females ages 14 years and older

These uses are explained in more detail below.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Pregnancy prevention explained

Yaz is a prescription birth control pill. It’s approved by the FDA for people of any age who are able to become pregnant.

Learn more about preventing pregnancy and pregnancy health by visiting our sexual health and pregnancy and parenthood hubs.

Effectiveness for pregnancy prevention

Yaz has been shown to be an effective method of birth control. It is highly effective at preventing pregnancy if you take it exactly as your doctor instructs. However, certain factors can make it less effective, such as missing doses or taking medications that interact with Yaz.

For details on how the drug performed in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Yaz.

Yaz and children

To help prevent pregnancy, Yaz is approved for use in females of any age who are able to become pregnant. This includes girls under the age of 18 years old who have had their period. Yaz should not be used in girls before their first menstrual cycle.

Yaz other uses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Yaz to treat certain conditions. Yaz may also be used off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Yaz for acne

Yaz is FDA-approved to treat moderate acne in females* ages 14 years and older who are able to become pregnant. It’s approved for this purpose in females who want to take a hormonal birth control pill as their method of contraception.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Acne explained

Acne is a skin condition that causes pimples, especially on the face and upper body. Changes in hormones are one of several factors that can cause acne. The levels of certain hormones begin to increase during puberty. This is why acne commonly affects adolescents, but it can continue into adulthood.

You can read more about acne treatment options by visiting our dermatology hub.

Effectiveness for acne

Yaz is a hormonal birth control pill. The drug has been shown to be an effective treatment for moderate acne.

For details on how the drug performed in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Yaz.

Yaz for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Yaz is FDA-approved to treat symptoms of PMDD in females of any age who are able to become pregnant. It’s approved for this purpose in females who want to take a hormonal birth control pill as their method of contraception.

It isn’t known whether Yaz is effective for premenstrual syndrome (PMS), which is different from PMDD.

PMDD explained

With PMDD, you have symptoms that occur due to hormone changes during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle. (The luteal phase begins around the middle of a 28-day cycle and ends when you get your period.) Symptoms typically go away within a few days after your period begins. They may return each month with the start of the next luteal phase.

PMDD is not the same as PMS. PMDD is a mental health condition. Your doctor may diagnose you with PMDD if your symptoms interfere with your daily activities and negatively affect your work, schoolwork, or relationships.

Symptoms of PMDD may include:

• depression
• feeling anxious, tense, angry, or irritable
• having emotions that are more intense than is typical
• decreased interest in your typical activities
• trouble concentrating
• fatigue
• changes in appetite or sleep
• physical symptoms such as breast tenderness, headache, pain in your muscles and joints, bloating, or weight gain

Effectiveness for PMDD

Yaz has been shown to be an effective treatment for PMDD for up to 3 months. It isn’t known whether the drug is effective for PMDD when taken for more than three menstrual cycles.

For details on how the drug performed in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Yaz.

Yaz and children

To treat PMDD, Yaz is approved for use in females* of any age who are able to become pregnant. This includes girls under the age of 18 years old who have had their period.

To treat acne, Yaz is approved for use in children ages 14 years and older who are able to become pregnant.

Yaz should not be used in girls before their first menstrual cycle.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Yaz side effects

Yaz can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Yaz. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Yaz, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Yaz, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Below is a partial list of mild side effects of Yaz. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Yaz’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Yaz for helping to prevent pregnancy and acne can include:

• headache
• menstrual irregularities, such as spotting
• nausea
• vomiting
• breast tenderness
• mild allergic reaction*

Mild side effects of Yaz for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can include:

• menstrual irregularities, such as spotting
• nausea
• headache
• breast tenderness
• fatigue
• irritability
• decreased libido (desire for sex)
• discomfort while wearing contact lenses
• skin blotchiness, especially on the face
• weight gain
• mild allergic reaction*

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information about allergic reaction and Yaz, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Yaz aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

• Depression or mood changes. Symptoms can include:
  • loss of interest in your typical activities
  • changes in appetite or sleep
  • persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • depressed mood or mood swings
  • having stronger or more variable emotions than is typical
• Migraine headaches. Symptoms can include:
  • pain on one side of your head
  • sensitivity to light or sound
  • nausea and vomiting
• Hyperkalemia (high level of potassium in your blood), which may not cause symptoms. A very high potassium level can cause:
  • weakness or fatigue
  • muscle pain or cramps
  • trouble breathing
  • heart palpitations
  • chest pain
• High blood pressure.
• Lipid disorders (changes in the levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood). This side effect doesn’t cause symptoms but can be seen in blood test results.
• Increased risk of serious cardiovascular events due to cigarette smoking.*
• Severe allergic reaction.†

* Yaz has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Yaz precautions” section below.
† For details about allergic reaction and Yaz, see “Allergic reaction” below.

Side effects in children

The side effects of Yaz are expected to be the same in adults and children.

To help prevent pregnancy and to treat PMDD, Yaz is approved for use in females* of any age who are able to become pregnant. This includes girls under the age of 18 years old who have had their period.

To treat acne, Yaz is approved for use in children ages 14 years and older who are able to become pregnant.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

ALLERGIC REACTION

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Yaz. This side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials of this drug but has occurred since the drug was approved.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

• swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
• trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Yaz, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency

Common questions about Yaz

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Yaz.

Is Yaz similar to Yasmin?

Yes, Yaz and Yasmin are similar types of birth control pills. They both contain the active ingredients drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol.

However, Yaz and Yasmin differ in their strengths and approved uses. The table below summarizes these differences. Strengths are given in milligrams (mg).

If you have questions about how Yaz compares with Yasmin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can Yaz cause weight loss or hair loss?

Yaz shouldn’t cause weight loss or hair loss. However, in clinical trials, some people had weight gain while taking Yaz.

Talk with your doctor if you experience concerning weight changes or hair loss while taking Yaz. They can help determine why these changes are happening and recommend ways to help manage them.

Does Yaz cause long-term side effects?

Possibly. As with other hormonal birth control pills, Yaz may cause blood clots.

Blood clots may occur at any time during treatment with Yaz. This risk is higher in certain people, including those older than age 35 years who smoke.* Blood clots can cause serious cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack or stroke. These problems may require long-term treatment or recovery time.

Drospirenone (an active ingredient in Yaz) may increase the level of potassium in your blood. Your doctor may monitor your potassium level during treatment with Yaz, especially if you take other medications that can raise potassium. If your doctor recommends stopping Yaz, this effect should go away.

Yaz is a type of combined oral contraceptive (COC). COCs are hormonal birth control pills that contain both progestin (a synthetic form of the hormone progesterone) and estrogen.

Long-term use of COCs may slightly increase the risk of certain cancers. These include breast cancer, cervical cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma (a form of liver cancer). You and your doctor can weigh the benefits and risks and decide whether taking a COC is the right option for you.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about long-term side effects of Yaz.

* Yaz has a boxed warning for this risk. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Yaz precautions” section below.

Alternatives to Yaz

Other drugs are available that are similar to Yaz. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Yaz, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Alternatives for helping to prevent pregnancy

Examples of other drugs that may be used to help prevent pregnancy include:

• drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Yasmin)
• drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Loryna, Nikki)
• drospirenone (Slynd)
• drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol/levomefolate calcium (Beyaz)
• etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol vaginal ring (NuvaRing)
• etonogrestrel implant (Nexplanon)
• levonorgestrel/ethinyl estradiol (Seasonique, Altavera, Lessina)
• levonorgestrel intrauterine system (Mirena)
• intrauterine copper contraceptive (Paragard)
• norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol (Alyacen, Balziva, Kaitlib Fe, Nortrel)
• norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol (Previfem, Sprintec, Tri-Lo-Linyah)
• norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol (Xulane)

Alternatives for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat PMDD include:

• drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol/levomefolate calcium (Beyaz)
• fluoxetine (Prozac)
• paroxetine (Brisdelle, Paxil CR)
• sertraline (Zoloft)

Alternatives for acne

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat acne include:

• adapalene (Differin)
• azelaic acid (Finacea)
• benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin (Onexton)
• clindamycin/tretinoin (Ziana)
• doxycycline (Oracea)
• isotretinoin (Amnesteem, Claravis)
• minocycline (Solodyn)
• tretinoin (Atralin, Retin-A)

Yaz dosage

The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Your doctor will also tell you when to start taking Yaz. Your start date depends on several factors, such as the timing of your menstrual cycle and your previous birth control method.

Your doctor will also advise you on the use of backup birth control methods, such as condoms or spermicide. This is because Yaz may not be effective in helping to prevent pregnancy during the first month you take it. This also depends on the timing of your menstrual cycle and your previous birth control method.

Drug forms and strengths

Yaz is an oral tablet. It comes in a pack of 28 tablets. The pack contains:

• 24 pink tablets that each contain 3 milligrams (mg) drospirenone and 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol
• 4 white tablets that contain no active ingredients

Dosage for helping to prevent pregnancy

The dosage of Yaz for helping to prevent pregnancy is one tablet taken once daily. The tablets should be taken in the order described in the pack.

Dosage for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

The dosage of Yaz for PMDD is one tablet taken once daily. The tablets should be taken in the order described in the pack.

Dosage for acne

The dosage of Yaz for acne is one tablet taken once daily. The tablets should be taken in the order described in the pack.

Children’s dosage

The dosage for children under the age of 18 years old is the same as it is for adults, which is described above.

What if I miss a dose?

Yaz comes in a pack of 28 tablets. The pack contains 24 pink tablets that contain the active ingredients drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol. It also contains 4 white tablets that contain no active ingredients. The tablets should be taken in the order described in the pack.

If you forget to take Yaz, the missed dose instructions depend on the timing within your 4-week cycle. The chart below shows the instructions on what to do if you miss one or more doses. If you’re not sure what to do, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Missing doses of Yaz makes the drug less effective. This can result in pregnancy if you are sexually active and take Yaz to help prevent pregnancy. If you miss a period after missing doses of Yaz, you should take a pregnancy test and contact your doctor for guidance.

Yaz may also be less effective if you have severe diarrhea or vomiting. If you vomit within 4 hours after taking a dose of Yaz, it is considered a missed dose. Follow the above instructions for next steps, or contact your doctor or pharmacist for directions.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your bathroom mirror or bedside table. You can also download a reminder app on your phone.

Will I need to take this drug long term?

Yaz is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Yaz is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Yaz precautions

This drug comes with several precautions. These are considered drug-condition interactions.

FDA warning: Cigarette smoking and serious cardiovascular events

This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Cigarette smoking and serious cardiovascular events. Cigarette smoking while taking combination oral contraceptives, such as Yaz, increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events. (“Cardiovascular events” refer to problems that occur in your heart and blood vessels.) Examples of cardiovascular events include blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.

This risk of serious cardiovascular events increases with age, especially in people older than 35 years of age. This risk also increases with the number of cigarettes smoked.

Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Yaz for people older than age 35 years who smoke. If you are older than age 35 years and smoke cigarettes, your doctor will likely recommend other birth control options for you.

Other precautions

Before taking Yaz, talk with your doctor about your health history. Yaz may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

• Risk of blood clots. If you’ve had blood clots in the past or are at high risk of developing them, talk with your doctor before starting Yaz. You may have a higher risk of blood clots during your Yaz treatment if you:
  • smoke and are age 35 years or older
  • gave birth in the past 4 weeks and are not breastfeeding
  • have any condition that affects blood clotting
  • have certain heart problems that can cause blood clots
  • have had a heart attack or stroke in the past
  • are having surgery soon or recently had a surgery that limits your ability to move around
• Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Yaz or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Yaz. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
• Breast cancer or other cancers that are affected by hormones. If you’ve had or currently have breast cancer or another type of cancer that’s sensitive to hormones, you should not take Yaz. This is because some cancer cells are sensitive to certain hormones, which means that they worsen if these hormones bind (attach) to them. For example, certain types of breast cancer can be worsened by estrogen. If you have or have had cancer, talk with your doctor about other birth control options.
• Chloasma gravidarum. If you’ve had chloasma gravidarum, you should avoid sunlight and UV light while taking Yaz. (Chloasma is a condition that causes darkened skin patches during pregnancy.) Talk with your doctor if you have questions about taking Yaz if you’ve had chloasma.
• Depression. If you have depression, talk with your doctor before starting Yaz. This drug can cause mood changes that may worsen your condition. Your doctor may suggest another birth control option.
• Diabetes. Having diabetes can raise your risk of serious side effects with Yaz, including serious cardiovascular events. These include blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. If you have diabetes, taking Yaz may also worsen your condition, so talk with your doctor before starting it. They may recommend a different birth control option.
• Gallbladder disease. If you’ve had gallbladder problems, taking Yaz may worsen your condition. If you have gallbladder disease or have had it in the past, talk with your doctor. They’ll recommend safe birth control options for you.
• Hereditary angioedema. Hereditary angioedema is a genetic condition that causes episodes of swelling and fluid retention. Birth control medications such as Yaz can worsen this condition. If you have hereditary angioedema, talk with your doctor. They may recommend a different birth control option.
• High blood pressure. Having high blood pressure can increase your risk of serious cardiovascular events with Yaz. These include blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. It’s also possible that Yaz may worsen your condition. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend a different birth control option for you. Or they may monitor you more closely during treatment with Yaz.
• Lipid disorders. Lipid disorders, such as high cholesterol, can increase your risk of cardiovascular problems with Yaz. These include blood clots, heart attack, and stroke. This is because Yaz may change the levels of fats in your blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. If you already have high cholesterol, taking Yaz can make your condition worse. Your doctor may recommend a different birth control option for you.
• Liver, kidney, or adrenal gland problems. Yaz may cause hyperkalemia (high level of potassium in your blood). You may have a higher risk of this side effect if you have existing problems with your liver, kidney, or adrenal glands. Also, if you have liver problems, including liver tumors, you should not take Yaz. Your doctor will likely suggest other birth control options that are safe for you. Or, if they prescribe Yaz, they may monitor the health of your liver and your potassium level during treatment.
• Migraine. You should not take Yaz if you get certain kinds of migraine headaches or if you’re age 35 years or older and have any type of migraine. Yaz may worsen migraine. If you get migraine headaches, talk with your doctor. Depending on your migraine headaches, they may recommend a different birth control option for you.
• Pregnancy. Yaz isn’t meant to be taken during pregnancy. Yaz can be taken to help prevent pregnancy. That said, it shouldn’t cause harm if it’s taken during early pregnancy (before you know that you’re pregnant). For more information, see the “Yaz and pregnancy” section below.
• Breastfeeding. Yaz isn’t recommended while breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Yaz and breastfeeding” section below.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Yaz, see the “Yaz side effects” section above.

Yaz interactions

Yaz can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe. Drug-condition interactions can also cause certain effects. For information about these interactions, see the “Yaz precautions” section below.

Yaz and other medications

Below is a list of medications that can interact with Yaz. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Yaz.

Before taking Yaz, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Some of the drugs you should not take while taking Yaz include the following.

Certain drugs can reduce Yaz’s effectiveness and cause breakthrough bleeding (bleeding between periods). If these medications are taken with Yaz, your doctor will likely recommend using a backup birth control method, such as condoms. Examples of these drugs include:

• barbiturates, such as drugs containing butalbital
• certain antimicrobial drugs, such as griseofulvin (Gris-PEG) and rifampin (Rimactane)
• certain seizure medications, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), felbamate (Felbatol), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal), phenytoin (Dilantin), and topiramate (Topamax)

Some medications can increase the level of Yaz in your body. This may raise your risk of side effects from Yaz. Examples of these drugs include:

• acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• atorvastatin (Lipitor)
• certain antibiotics, such as clarithromycin and erythromycin (Ery-Tab)
• azole antifungals, such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole
• diltiazem (Cardizem)

Yaz may increase the amount of potassium in your blood. Certain other medications can also raise potassium levels. Examples of drugs that may increase potassium levels include:

• angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, such as lisinopril
• angiotensin II receptor blockers, such as valsartan (Diovan)
• potassium-sparing diuretics, such as triamterene (Dyrenium)
• potassium chloride (Klor-Con)
• heparin
• aldosterone antagonists, such as spironolactone (Aldactone)
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

Other drugs that can interact with Yaz include the following:

• Thyroid medications, such as levothyroxine (Synthroid). Yaz can make thyroid hormone drugs less effective. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose of your thyroid medication to maintain its effectiveness during Yaz treatment.
• Lamotrigine (Lamictal), a seizure medication. Yaz can make this drug less effective. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage of lamotrigine to maintain its effectiveness for treating seizure disorders while you’re taking Yaz.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Yaz and herbs and supplements

The herb St. John’s wort may decrease the effectiveness of Yaz. If you take St. John’s wort with Yaz, your doctor may recommend using a backup birth control method, such as condoms.

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) may increase the level of Yaz in your body. This can raise your risk of side effects from Yaz.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any herbs or supplements while taking Yaz.

Yaz and foods

Grapefruit may interact with Yaz. Consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice during treatment with Yaz can increase the risk or severity of side effects from the drug.

If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Yaz, talk with your doctor.

Yaz and lab tests

Taking Yaz may change the results of certain lab tests. These include blood tests that measure:

• coagulation (blood clotting) factors
• lipids (fats such as cholesterol and triglycerides)
• glucose tolerance (how your body processes sugar)
• binding proteins

Because of these changes, make sure to discuss your current medications, including Yaz, when your doctor orders lab tests for you.

Yaz and alcohol

There are no known interactions between Yaz and alcohol.

If you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking Yaz, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Yaz and breastfeeding

Yaz isn’t recommended while breastfeeding. This is because it contains a form of estrogen. Drugs that contain estrogen may reduce the production of breast milk.

Doctors typically recommend using other types of birth control that do not contain estrogen while breastfeeding. These include levonorgestrel intrauterine device (Mirena) and norethindrone (Camila). If you have questions about birth control choices while breastfeeding, talk with your doctor.

Yaz and pregnancy

Yaz is a hormonal birth control pill that can be taken to help prevent pregnancy. However, it isn’t 100% effective in preventing pregnancy. A small percentage of females* may become pregnant while taking Yaz. Its effectiveness can be decreased by missing doses or by taking medications that interact with Yaz.

There’s no evidence of harmful effects on a fetus or pregnancy if Yaz is taken during early pregnancy (before you know that you’re pregnant).

If you think you may be pregnant, take a pregnancy test and call your doctor right away. If you’re pregnant, they’ll have you stop taking Yaz.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

Yaz and fertility

Yaz works to help prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation (the release of an egg from your ovary). After you’ve stopped taking Yaz, your fertility (ability to become pregnant) should return.

If you have questions about getting pregnant after stopping Yaz treatment, talk with your doctor.

Yaz and other birth control

Yaz is a hormonal birth control pill that can be taken to help prevent pregnancy, among other uses. Typically, you shouldn’t need to use additional forms of birth control while taking Yaz to avoid becoming pregnant.

However, in certain situations, a backup birth control method (such as condoms or spermicide) is recommended. Some examples include the following:

• If you miss doses of Yaz. For more details, see the “Yaz dosage” section above.
• If you take a medication that makes Yaz less effective. For more details, see the “Yaz interactions” section above.
• When you first start taking Yaz. This refers to the timing of your menstrual cycle and whether you took a hormonal birth control drug during the previous cycle. For more details, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

For more information about taking Yaz during pregnancy, see the “Yaz and pregnancy” section above.

Yaz cost

As with all medications, the cost of Yaz can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 3-month supply of Yaz. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 3-month supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company.

Before approving coverage for Yaz, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure whether you’ll need to get prior authorization for Yaz, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Yaz, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for Yaz when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

To learn more about saving money on prescriptions, check out this article.

Mail-order pharmacies

Yaz may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 3-month supply of Yaz, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic version

Yaz is available in a generic form called drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol (Loryna, Nikki, Lo-Zumandimine, others). A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication.

The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. And generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs. To find out how the cost of drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol compares with the cost of Yaz, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

If your doctor has prescribed Yaz and you’re interested in taking drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol instead, talk with your doctor. They may have a preference for a specific version. You’ll also need to check your insurance plan, as it may only cover a generic version.

How to take Yaz

You should take Yaz according to the instructions your doctor gives you.

Yaz is an oral tablet. You’ll swallow it with or without food.

When to take

There isn’t a best time of day to take Yaz, but you should take it at the same time every day. This helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body, which helps Yaz work effectively.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.

Accessible labels and containers

If your prescription label is hard to read, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does.

Taking Yaz with food

You can take Yaz with or without food.

Can Yaz be crushed, split, or chewed?

Yaz is generally meant to be swallowed whole. The drug’s manufacturer hasn’t provided any guidance on whether this drug can be crushed, split, or chewed.

If you have trouble swallowing tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest tips for swallowing pills. Or they may recommend other treatment options.

How Yaz works

Yaz is a form of hormonal birth control known as a combination oral contraceptive. It contains two active ingredients, which are two types of hormones. These include:

• drospirenone, a type of progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone)
• ethinyl estradiol, a form of estrogen

Yaz is used in females* who are able to become pregnant to:

• help prevent pregnancy
• treat symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• treat acne in females ages 14 years and older

(For details about these uses, see the “Yaz use for birth control” and “Yaz other uses” sections above.)

Yaz works to help prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation (the release of an egg from your ovary). It does this by changing the typical pattern of hormone release during the menstrual cycle.

Hormone changes during the later phase of the menstrual cycle are thought to play a role in causing mood-related and physical symptoms of PMDD. Yaz is thought to work for treating symptoms of PMDD by changing the levels of certain hormones throughout your menstrual cycle.

Hormone changes are thought to play a role in causing acne. Yaz works to manage acne by changing the levels of certain hormones in your body.

* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “female” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.

How long does it take to work?

It typically takes 7 days of taking Yaz every day before the drug becomes effective for pregnancy prevention. Your doctor may recommend a backup birth control method (such as condoms) if you’re sexually active during this time.

Yaz takes longer to work for PMDD and acne. It may take a few weeks or months before your symptoms of these conditions ease.

Regardless of the reason you’re taking Yaz, you should take Yaz every day at the same time. This helps Yaz work effectively.

Yaz overdose

Do not take more Yaz than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

An overdose of Yaz may cause nausea or menstrual bleeding.

What to do in case you take too much Yaz

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.